Cholesterol Esters, Serum/Plasma — Mass Fraction
Measures the fraction of cholesterol in serum or plasma that is in the ester form, helping assess lipid metabolism alongside other cholesterol tests.
["This test helps characterize the form of cholesterol in your blood and is interpreted with the rest of your lipid profile."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 21197-9
- Short code
- Cholest Ester MFr SerPl
- Synonyms
- Cholest Ester MFr SerPl
- Category
- lipid
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This blood test measures cholesterol esters as a fraction of total cholesterol in serum or plasma. Cholesterol is transported in the blood partly as free cholesterol and partly attached to fatty acids as cholesterol esters.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered to help evaluate cholesterol metabolism or a suspected lipid disorder. It is generally interpreted with total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and your medical history rather than as a stand-alone screening test.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, usually by drawing blood from a vein. The laboratory separates serum or plasma and measures the amount of cholesterol present in the ester form, then reports its fraction of total cholesterol.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's fasting instructions, as some lipid tests require several hours without food. If fasting is not required, you can usually maintain your normal diet. Tell the healthcare team if you are taking cholesterol-lowering medication.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An abnormal cholesterol ester fraction may occur with changes in lipid metabolism or with conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, liver disease, or kidney disease. Medication use and differences in cholesterol transport can also affect the result. The finding is not diagnostic by itself and should be interpreted with the complete lipid profile and clinical context.
Short name
Cholesterol ester fraction
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a standard cholesterol test?
Does a high or low result mean I have heart disease?
Why was this test ordered instead of only a routine lipid panel?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy